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With the Bahamas located 45 miles from the east coast of Florida, the weather on the islands mimics that of the mainland state: warm and dry in the winter, hot and stupefyingly humid through the summer. Popular dress naturally reflects the climate. The proximity to the U.S. also influences island style, which reveals lingering influence from the country's days as a British possession.

Uniforms

Police and court staff wear uniforms and robes influenced by the British colonial period. On-duty members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force can usually be recognized by their white jackets and white pith helmets. Doctors wear the usual whites and nurses, dental assistants and veterinarian staff all wear scrubs just as their mainland counterparts do.

Business Attire

Business is conducted in the Bahamas much as it is in any westernized location. The islands have hotels with business centers and conference rooms, and corporate entities maintain offices. For business meetings, funerals and church services, expect clothing as you would see in Europe and the mainland U.S. -- suits for the gentlemen and formal attire for the ladies. Light-weight variations on the theme can be suitable, but a "Miami Vice" take -- with open-necked shirts and daytime cocktail dresses -- would not be acceptable for first or formal meetings.

Casual Attire

The Bahamas attract affluent and successful people, who either make their homes on the islands or visit to enjoy a respite from the often strict confines imposed upon them elsewhere by their rank or position. While locals wear flip-flops, cut-off jeans shorts and T-shirts with all manner of logos, visitors at the swankier hotels or out to dine in casual restaurants more typically don brand-name tennis shoes, polo shirts and cargo pants. Even at the most costly and aloof restaurants, management expects casual wear if the subject of dress code does not come up in the process of booking a table. Tourism largely drives the islands' economy, and hospitality staff are always happy to offer guidance on cultural expectations.

Beach Wear

Once again, fashions subscribe to western mores. At time of publication, a tiny Speedo-type swimming brief on a man might become the focus of some hilarity, while California-style surf baggies are de rigueur. Ladies wear what they can get away with, in terms of both physical attributes and personal thresholds. Tiny Brazilian-style bikinis are the norm on all the islands' beaches, but more demure two-pieces and one-pieces are also commonplace. Most establishments -- hotels, bars and eateries -- expect that some kind of cover-up, such as a sarong, be worn when entering the premises. But many beach-side bars banish such restrictions.

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About the Author

John Cagney Nash began composing press releases and event reviews for British nightclubs in 1982. His material was first published in the "Eastern Daily Press." Nash's work focuses on American life, travel and the music industry. In 1998 he earned an OxBridge doctorate in philosophy and immediately emigrated to America.

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